Elves

Alec Rowley was born in London on 13 March 1892, teacher, composer, organist, pianist, lecturer and writer, who studied at the RAM with Frederick Corder and where he won sundry scholarships and prizes. He was an organist at several London churches including, during the Second World War, St Margaret's, Westminster. He died on 11 January 1958 while playing tennis.

Rowley was a superb teacher, who did much to assist the student. Unfortunately, this labeled him as a "writer of children's music" in the eyes of some.

He was a fine organist, have gained his FRCO by the time he was 16. His largest organist position was at St. Alban's, Teddington, a large and important church. It was during his time at this church that Rowley married and then divorced. Divorce for someone working in the church was not tolerated, and Rowley was ostracized by the parish clergy, and was forced to leave his position.

Rowley, who had always been devout was devastated by their treatment of him, and it ended his "participation" in organized religion. It also essentially ended his playing the organ, and it seems that many of his later organ pieces were probably NEVER actually played by him.

"Elves" was published by Stainer & Bell in 1928. It is without dedication. Rowley was very clever in that his music was published by a large number of publishing houses!

This is truly a delightful, mischievous scamper! It's not hard to imagine elves scurrying about... ;-)

The registrations are simple: Sw. strings coupled to Gt. Stopped Diapason (Rowley calls for the Clarabella, an harmonic flute, and Choir Viol d' Orchestre, narrow and pungent, and highly effective here.

Even the "dryness of the room" works well in this case.

The score is attached below, as well as my usual several photos of Alec Rowley.

My Hill demos are almost "completed," and I hope to get the review done next week. :-)